As I hear more people talk on this topic, I grow more hopeful that the pain we are feeling in our wallets at the gas pump will pave the way toward a better future.
In an interview with the former mayor of New York, Ed Koch, I heard him call for a “Manhattan Project” for alternative energy. Let’s hope other politicians share his view. Al Gore seems to be on a similar path, he calls for a ten year plan to produce 100% of our energy needs from renewable resources within the next 10 years. T Boone Pickens (whose site I added to my link list, right) also proposes a plan for renewable energy. His plan differs slightly from Gore’s in that he feels it would be faster to introduce the widespread use of natural gas powered vehicles as an interim step to the electric car.
In the end, I look forward to a world where our children breathe cleaner air and see a clearer sky. More to come.
Joe

People are driving less miles. And taking public transportation more often. In Boston the “T” ridership has gone up over 50%. Low mileage SUV’s are essentially worthless, with dealers refusing them as trade ins. High mileage hybrids are selling at a much higher rate and in the case of the Prius has a 9 month wait. Wind power plants are coming on line at a record rate. Roof top solar panels gaining steam.

In other words it is happening. Only question is if it keeps accelerating or people get use to the high prices and go back to old habits.

It is happening. I am just hopeful the momentum accelerates, instead of the alternative. A small part of me is inclined to call for yet higher taxes on gas, but that position would be unpopular, as it would impact those who can least afford it. I’m more sympathetic to the guy driving his Taurus to work than the SUV drivers, but the pain has higher impact on those with lower incomes. I know what I’d like to see in 5-10 years: A battery technology closer to the theoretical limits, providing an electric car with a 250-300 mile range, combined with a fast charge, less than 1 hour. Solar and wind power providing X% of our home needs. Exact % up for debate.
Joe

buckAugust 31, 2011, 7:00 pm

The green revolution is a joke. While solar and renewable energy sources will find small niches to thrive, they are thermodynamically inefficient and costly. I believe a read in a trade magazine that “green energy” sources provide less than 5% of our nations energy, there are close to 135,000 people employed therein. Coal, on the other hand, employs over 65,000 employees and provides 51% of our nations energy at a 70% cost savings. Green cannot compete in the marketplace without massive subsidies.